published Dec 30, 2022, updated May 31, 2023 The list of delicious dishes that China has given us is endless, with many soups topping the list! Pork, tofu, and mushrooms are ingredients shared in many of these — hot and sour soup included. This recipe packs in plenty of protein and nutrients, but also boasts healing properties as well. Chinese culture believes that soup nourishes vital body systems, prevents disease, and strengthens the body. You’ll get a kick of heat and a bite of tangy vinegar that can clear congestion and soothe a sore throat when you’re sick, but will satisfy your tastebuds any day of the year. Even though my list of ingredients might seem a little long, don’t be intimidated — this soup is easy to put together and doesn’t take more than 20 minutes to cook! Try it with my pork pot stickers, crab rangoon, or chicken lettuce wraps.
INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Shiitake Mushrooms – Chewier than other mushrooms with a woody flavor.Dried Lily Flowers – These can be substituted with enoki mushrooms.Shrimp – These can be left whole or cut into smaller bite sizes. Just be sure to clean, devein, and remove the tails.Chicken or Pork – Any boneless cut of chicken will work for this recipe. If using pork, opt for pork loin or tenderloin.Cornstarch – Acts as a thickening agent for your broth.Soy Sauce – Use this in your marinade and also for a kick of flavor in your broth.Tofu – Made from bean curd, it adds texture to your dish and absorbs flavors.Chicken Stock – Thicker and more flavorful than chicken broth. Can use vegetable stock in a pinch.Red Chili Peppers – Dried peppers cooked in stock distribute heat throughout the soup.White Vinegar – Helps create that sour flavor and balances the savory ingredients.Sesame Oil – A distinctive nutty taste that makes a big impact on the overall flavor of this dish.Water Chestnuts & Bamboo Shoots – Add texture and crunch to your dish.Chili Oil – Oil infused with chilis that comes in varying levels of heat. Feel free to reduce or omit if you want your hot and sour soup a little less spicy.Eggs – These will cook when added to the broth.White Pepper – Milder than black pepper and slightly floral. It also blends seamlessly into the broth.Green Onion – Use as garnish to add a fresh, crisp taste.
HOW TO MAKE HOT AND SOUR SOUP
Is Hot and Sour Soup Healthy?
This soup has many nutritional benefits and is low in calories. It’s packed with nutrients like manganese, niacin, vitamin B-6, phosphorus, and iron. Plus, it can work as an anti-inflammatory, help clear up sinuses, and it is often used to help cure other cold symptoms.
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
Homemade hot and sour soup can be refrigerated for up to four days in an airtight container. However, we recommend only adding egg to the soup if you’re eating it immediately. If not, add fresh egg to the broth as you reheat it instead.
Can Hot And Sour Soup Be Frozen?
You can prepare a large batch of this soup and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Having some on hand during cold and flu season is a great idea, since it’s known for helping to relieve sinus pressure. I recommend leaving out the tofu and the egg if you want to freeze it. Add both to the thawed soup when reheating.
